Lorraine Pascale: Join her for webchat TONIGHT (Thursday 29 November), 9-10pm

[RachelMumsnet]

To celebrate the launch of Mumsnet's new-look food and recipe section we've invited some very special guests to come and join us for webchats to chat about food. And with Christmas just round the corner, they'll be on-hand to help you prepare a feast to remember for Christmas 2013.

We're delighted that LORRAINE PASCALE is kicking off our series of foody chats and is joining us tomorrow (Thursday 28 November) evening between 9 and 10pm.

Other guests will be Natalie Coleman (Monday 2 December, 1-2pm) and James Martin on Friday 6 December (1.45-2.45pm).

Lorraine last joined us at Mumsnet in September 2012 when she told us about how she started out, baking with her daughter and the secret behind cooking and maintaining a whiter than white T-Shirt whilst at the stove. This time she's going to be telling us about her latest book A Lighter Way To Bake and answering your questions about cooking and baking for Christmas.

Join Lorraine tomorrow between 9 and 10pm or post a question to her in advance. Everyone who joins the webchat will be entered into a draw to win one of three copies of A Lighter Way to Bake.

[LorrainePascale]

@FrillyMilly

I am a huge fan and regularly refer to your books. I would like to know when you will be back on our screens but since it's already been asked, what are your favourite Christmas recipes?

I love a good mince pie. I do love them made with shortcrust pastry but also love them made with filo.... very tasty and light and using less dried fruit but more poached fresh fruit to add another flavour dimension and texture :-)

[LorrainePascale]

@LESuffolk

Also meant to add that I would give your book away as a prize on the Suffolk site should I have my name drawn out (so not accused of corruption )...

Please do contact Amy at James Grant and she may be able to help.

[LorrainePascale]

@RachelMumsnet

She beat me to it Lorraine is doing the webchat remotely this eve so do bear with us if we're not quite in synch. Welcome anyway Lorraine and thanks for joining us.

I am an eager beaver! Hello, nice to be here... x

[HectorVector]

I can't believe I didn't think of a Yule log, my son would love that... I think I might have to practise first, I'm not sure I'm talented enough to make it look good. I think he'd turn his nose up at pomegranates though. :)

Thank you for answering my question.

[LorrainePascale]

@CatherineMumsnet

Hi Lorraine, welcome to Mumsnet!

What's your top throw-it-together meal for an easy, yet delicious xmas eve?

It would have to be something cooked in my slow cooker. Lamb perhaps or a joint of beef with lots of red wine, garlic, herbs, onions etc... yumbo and really easy. I just put it in the slow cooker in the morning and then it is all done and ready in time for dinner.

[LorrainePascale]

@HectorVector

I can't believe I didn't think of a Yule log, my son would love that... I think I might have to practise first, I'm not sure I'm talented enough to make it look good. I think he'd turn his nose up at pomegranates though. :)

Thank you for answering my question.

Hmmm, maybe some berries then :0)

[LorrainePascale]

@ghmummy

Hi lorraine love your books, ive got two and all the recipes came out perfect. Our toddler loved your pork belly recipe. I am Just looking for some christmas ideas for our fussy toddler and baby please. Thank-you

sounds like your toddler likes pork. How about some spare ribs or ribs with a sticky spicy sauce? They are so simply, just put the ribs in a tray with some ketchup, soy, honey salt and pepper, five spice and stuff and then pop them in the oven. quick and easy. There is a recipe in Home cooking made easy. I hope your family like them!

[LorrainePascale]

@RachelMumsnet

It's all about food-glorious-food this week on Mumsnet (incase you haven't noticed we've got a brand spanking new food and recipes section) and we're delighted Lorraine agreed to join us tonight to kick off a series of seasons food webchats. She's going to be answering your questions over the next hour, so please give a very warm welcome, maybe even raise a glass of mulled wine to the lovely Lorraine Pascale. And don't forget all those who join the discussion will be entered into a draw to win one of three copies of her latest book A Lighter Way to Bake. Over to you Lorraine...

I have just seen this. thank you :-)

[LorrainePascale]

@LESuffolk

Hi Lorraine,

I am the Editor of the Mumsnet Suffolk pages and wondered if I could post one of your recipes on our Facebook page here? We have one from 'A Girl Called Jack' but I wanted to ask your permission first.

Something easy, maybe festive and good to make with or for children would be lovely and all credit will be given.

I really love your books as does my daughter who is retraining as a Patissiere and she has asked me to ask you if you have any useful tips or advice for her regarding stages-where to apply, what would be a good one or general training and career tips?

Having you as a career role model has been good for her so thank you as she was a tad despairing that her original degree and career choice just wasn't for her and she knows you have worked in different careers before finding your metier.

Thanks!

I am sure it is fine to post one of the recipes. Just so I do not get in to trouble would you be able to contact Amy at james Grant first? Thanks! The best places to apply for jobs are hotels. They do afternoon teas usually and you can really learn about all aspects of patisserie much more than if you were working in a restaurant. I am flattered you say I am a role model. I admire her strength in changing course and having the courage to admit to herself that she was not doing the right degree. Good for her! And good luck

[CatherineMumsnet]

Thanks Lorraine

[LorrainePascale]

@BarfaStewart

Hello Lorraine, I have a pastry question: I keep my (wooden) rolling pin in the fridge, so help keep the pastry cool which DH seems to think makes me a bit odd but, is it worth getting a marble/ceramic rolling pin instead.

Thank you.

It sounds like you are already doing the right thing and so there is no need to buy any more equipment

[Calypso2]

Hi Lorraine, I always fall down on gravy. The only time it seems to work is if I use gravy granules and then it always tastes a bit artificial. Any tips on good gravy - particularly for turkey? Also do you have any good recipes for stuffing? I get so bored of the one I make. Thanks Lorraine

[LorrainePascale]

@Annianni

Hi Lorraine,

Our favourites are the Oreo lollypops (they sold out straight away at our school cake sale)
And the 21st century bread.

My question is...

When will we be seeing you on tv again?

I will be on next year! There is a new show MKR which will be on sky on January, then in March I am doing a documentary on fostering and the new BBC show will be in August. I am glad you like the recipes!

[cogilau]

Hi Lorraine!! I love your recipes ^^ can you tell me your tips to make The perfect muffin? I've always problems with it because it never get fluffy as I would! Thank you in advance!

[Parsnipcake]

Hi Lorraine, I just want to say thankyou - you ate my daughter's idol. She is autistic and finds your writing style very easy to follow and your recipes always work, meaning she doesnt get frustrated! She is making a cake for a local bake off tomorrow with a chocolate/ mint theme, have you any suggestions for decorating the sides?

[Parsnipcake]

Sorry are not ate!

[LorrainePascale]

@Calypso2

Hi Lorraine, I always fall down on gravy. The only time it seems to work is if I use gravy granules and then it always tastes a bit artificial. Any tips on good gravy - particularly for turkey? Also do you have any good recipes for stuffing? I get so bored of the one I make. Thanks Lorraine

Once you have taken the bird out of the tin, tip out all but 2 tbsp of the fat/liquid left in there. Then in the corner of the tin add 1.5tbsp of flour and mix the flour in to a paste with the liquid. Then gradually add a glass of wine stirring all the time so that it does not go lumpy. Then turn up the heat and let this bubble away for about 4 minutes then add a good amount of stock about 500ml and leave all of this to bubble away for another 5minutes or so scrapping all of the goodness left over from the roast with a wooden spoon. Then taste your gravy, if it does not taste too strong, add salt and pepper and you can even add Worcestershire (cannot spell that) sauce until you get it just right. You can sieve it now or serve it as it is... Good luck! I love a good chestnut, apple and sage stuffing.. really tasty.

[LorrainePascale]

@Parsnipcake

Hi Lorraine, I just want to say thankyou - you ate my daughter's idol. She is autistic and finds your writing style very easy to follow and your recipes always work, meaning she doesnt get frustrated! She is making a cake for a local bake off tomorrow with a chocolate/ mint theme, have you any suggestions for decorating the sides?

That is so so nice to hear! She could decorate the cake with matchstick makers? I have seen people make an I can't believe you made that cake with kitkats around the side also. Tweet me a picture if you get the chance I would love to see the cake. And thank you for your kind words

[LorrainePascale]

@cogilau

Hi Lorraine!! I love your recipes ^^ can you tell me your tips to make The perfect muffin? I've always problems with it because it never get fluffy as I would! Thank you in advance!

Hello there! Muffins stop being fluffy when they are over worked, which just means stirred to much. So when you are mixing the ingredients together use as few 'stirs' as you possibly can for a lovely fluffy bake.

[ghmummy]

That sounds lovely thank-you. I have that book i shall have to look up the recipe. Perhaps i could blend a little for the baby with some vegetables?

[LorrainePascale]

@cogilau

Hi Lorraine!! I love your recipes ^^ can you tell me your tips to make The perfect muffin? I've always problems with it because it never get fluffy as I would! Thank you in advance!

And thank you for the lovely comment!

[Parsnipcake]

Lorraine that's a great idea, we will definitely tweet you! We are a foster family and it's great to have high profile role models for our children x

[Hotbot]

Hi Lorraine,
Who is your foody hero.
We have also had much success with your recipes in his house.

[Meglet]

Hi lorraine,

Were you an ethusiastic cook as a child or did you only get stuck into it after your modelling career?

[LorrainePascale]

@ghmummy

That sounds lovely thank-you. I have that book i shall have to look up the recipe. Perhaps i could blend a little for the baby with some vegetables?

Gosh, sorry. I did not see the recipes for your baby. I would love to do a baby cookbook at some point. Have you seen the recipes for babies by Anabel Karmel... I think that is her name. Her baby food recipe are really good. I used to make them for my daughter when she was little. Hope this helps.